Liberty Dube
Business Correspondent
SECRETARIES' role and contribution in workplaces and business development of the country should be hailed and appreciated.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Annual secretaries' convention held at a Kariba hotel last week, ZNCC provincial chairman, Mr Obert Muzawazi, said secretaries play a critical role in fostering communication and diligence through proper management and utilisation of important records as well as being a conduit of communication between an organisation and clients.
"Managers and leaders cannot do without these people (secretaries). Secretarial capacities should not be underestimated. Their support and contribution to business development of a company and country should be appreciated. Your assertiveness, diligence and professionalism should not go unnoticed
"I urge secretaries to champion and manage change in workplaces. The world is moving fast and they should not be managed by change. Every year aim to do better as secretaries," he said.
He commended the support of stakeholders and organisations for their 'support in making the event successful'.
A total of 40 secretaries including five from Municipality of Kariba attended the three-day historic convention which was held under the theme: "Turning recovery into accelerated growth towards a 100 billion dollar economy - Secretaries have a role to play".

One of the presenters, Harare-based economic analyst and RitchConsult managing consultant, Mr Richard Munyavi, said secretaries should have excellent negotiating skills as well as composure and patience in dealing with clients.
"Attributes like composure, attitude, dress code and habit should always be good and positive. Secretaries should build trust and effective communication with your clientele since trust builds up more honesty and true interests. The C.A.R.E abbreviation that stands for Customers Are Really Everything should always be in your fingertips. Enthusiasm is a personality characteristic of successful people," he said.

The ZNCC Manicaland and Chiredzi regional manageress, Ms Perpetual Guwila, expressed gratitude to companies who gave their secretaries a time to 'learn and refresh.'
"Secretaries had a time to learn and become professionals in their respective organisations. I believe the incisive presentations will go a long way in moulding them to become a blessing to their companies.
"We, however, would like to advise those secretaries who did not manage to make it to Kariba that there will be a local seminar for secretaries that will be held in Mutare next month. It is also another chance for secretaries across the province to learn and make a difference to their companies," said Ms Guwila.
She said next year's convention would be bigger and better.

During the three-day tour, secretaries and personal assistants also had a chance to visit  the magnificent Kariba Dam, crocodile farm and enjoyed a sunset boat cruise in the mighty Zambezi River.
All secretaries who attended the convention received presents as a token of appreciation.